Janefan

tried to drink this in honor of the World Cup. WAY oversteeped it (It is very fine, almost like coffee grounds, and therefore very strong). 3-3:30 min is too long! It was bitter and astringent, and no amount of sugar or cream could save it (I tried!)

Will try again soon with much lower steeping time. It is very good when prepared correctly!

made matcha shortbread (5 Ingredient fix Earl Grey Shortbread recipe) using 1 Tbsp matcha and 1 Tbsp Jasmine Blossom Green tea

made matcha shortbread (5 Ingredient fix Earl Grey Shortbread recipe) using 1 Tbsp matcha and 1 Tbsp Jasmine Blossom Green tea

No notes yet.

No notes yet.

1st steep – just as recommended – pre-warmed the cup, rinsed the leaves with the boiling water (maybe 5 seconds?) then dumped that out and infused for 30 seconds in 6 oz boiling water.

It’s a lovely golden yellow color, with just the right amount of jasmine – the jasmine is a whiff of perfume in scent, not a gulp of it down the mouth! The pu-erh gives it a bit of earthy body – more than the other jasmine green teas I’ve had. But there’s no “off” tastes or any of the scary things I was afraid of… I would say this was probably the perfect intro pu-erh for me! I am so glad I took Chicago Tea up on their free sample offer (two touchas!) and and strongly considering ordering the wild orange pu-erh because I am SO intrigued by it!

2nd infusion – 30 sec – I think it’s actually a tad bit darker this time. Scent same. A bit more astringent. The tuocha broke apart completely on this steep.

3rd – 45 sec; used slightly cooler water – less astringent, which allowed the gentle jasmine to come through more. Almost as dark as ever, and not at all “watery” tasting.

4th infusion – 1 min – still a beautiful coppery yellow; but the astringency (though not terrible) is masking the jasmine this time (my water may have been hotter than on #3)

This was a lovely experience which greatly exceeded my expectations! (not to say they were low – more like I was very trepidatious both of pu’erh and of resteeping). Thank you Chicago Tea Garden for a wonderful tea, and such informative steeping/resteeping parameters.

cold’s trying to come back – time for another pineapple-OJ-matcha immunity & energy booster!

brief hint of juicy lemon followed by a strong ginger bite. This is definitely ginger tea with a hint of lemon, NOT lemon tea with a hint of ginger. So be warned: Must Love Ginger.

It is EXACTLY what I was hoping for , but not expecting. :-)

backlogging from saturday -

The perfect tea for a Jane Austen book discussion and tea party. Between the 5 of us we went through two pots of it!

I should probably put this tea on my shopping list, as I am running low and it’s great to have on hand. Then again, I have TWO tins of Paris, so maybe I should let one of those fill in the gap…

zombie Janefan needs teeeeeeeea…..

I am supposed to be writing discussion questions on Mansfield Park, and baking cream scones. But first I need to wake up!

No notes yet.

I bought a RTD plastic bottle of this at the grocery store.

Ugh.

It tastes like neither pink lemonade nor green tea.
It is unsweetened – who drinks unsweetened pink lemonade??
There’s a strange peppery/spicy aftertaste, which I guess is coming from the lemongrass (even though lemongrass is neither peppery nor spicy…)

WHY do so many food/bev companies think that lemon and lemongrass are interchangeable, and use lemongrass to impart the flavor of lemon ? As someone who loves lemons but rather dislikes lemongrass, I resent this practice.

I assume the actual teabags are better. Avoid the bottled tea!

my case is almost gone! only 3 or 4 bottles left after this one! I’m wondering whether I should order another. Actually I’d rather try a mixed case of Rooibee Red Tea if I can afford it… but I will buy this again eventually!

another soothing morning tea

went with this one instead of the echinacea, because it steeps quicker and tastes better.

orange pineapple ginger matcha juice

(about 4-5 oz OJ, 3-4 oz pineapple juice, 1-2 oz ginger soda, about 1 tsp matcha)

surprisingly yummy, plus full of vitamin C and other good stuff…

still trying to kick the cold…

this tea is actually kinda nice (what I can taste of it with a stuffy nose). I’m getting a hint of the orange blossom, and maybe the citronella? (Not sure what it tastes like, just know it’s the scent of bug-repellant candles, etc.)

Added to a cup of green tea: a couple shakes of cayenne, about 1/8-1/4 tsp grated ginger, and a squeeze or two of lemon juice. Could add honey if you wish. Could use an herbal tea bag, or just hot water instead of green tea. I never measure. or make this the same way twice. It’s the best way to clear a stuffy head though!

made a double strength cup, added a few ice cubes, and about 1/2 cup organic pineapple juice to make a tropical tea punch (it’s chilling now). May add a splash or two of spicy ginger ale if it needs an extra kick (and sparkle).

with one packet Sugar in the Raw and 1 teaspoon heavy cream

Looks like this may supplant their black tea blend as our house iced tea for the summer!

sweetened with maple syrup as usual. Good with biscuits and jam.

had my rather over-infused chai vodka, mixed about 1 part into 2 parts Izze sparkling Pomegranate soda. It’s ok, but the cinnamon is rather strong. I will try mixing the chai vodka with bailey’s next time…

made a strong half mug, then added a tiny splash of milk. I know, I know… but it didn’t ruin it, and it did make the appearance match the flavor. It seems so weird to drink a tea that tastes creamy/milky and looks clear and grassy! Actually I think this would make a neat “green tea latte” (either hot or cold) if one could get the ratios right…